Foxx could fill Simon's shoes

Now that Ellen DeGeneres has finally joined the "American Idol" judges table, TV's most popular show has to move on to a much bigger issue: replacing Simon Cowell.

Howard Stern has been talking up his candidacy but this appears to be a ploy to get a new, fatter contract from satellite radio. Stern would bring a small coterie of his loyalists, but he might drive away millions of families, the backbone of "Idol's" ratings.

There is a less controversial big name, who has expressed interest: Jamie Foxx.

He has instant name recognition. He is an Oscar winner. He has musical credentials as a singer and from roles in "The Soloist," "Dreamgirls" and most significantly "Ray." .

As a comedian, he has a quick mind, an important asset on "Idol," where thoughts have to be formed quickly and concisely.

Other names mentioned, such as Piers Morgan and Nigel Lythgoe, would come off as second-tier Simons.